Manufactured 1918 this is a mint example of a rare special order Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Winder Takedown Musket. The included factory letter confirms the takedown musket configuration, caliber, 30 inch No. 1 barrel and 44-A rear sight. The rifle was received in the warehouse on January 17, 1818 and shipped from the warehouse on January 22, 1918. The letter also states "the Winchester Archives indicates that only five arms of this type were made." The rifle is equipped with a standard blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. The left side of barrel is marked with the two line Winchester address/patent dates and the caliber designation "22 SHORT" at the breech. The Winchester oval proof is marked on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The three line Winchester patent date, trade mark is stamped on the upper tang. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, breech block and lever, and mounted with a smooth full walnut Model 1873 Musket style forearm and straight grip stock with a steel carbine style buttplate and sling swivels.

Excellent plus. The rifle retains 99% bright original blue finish with extremely minor flaking on the receiver. Almost all of the original case colors remain on the hammer, breech block and lever. The wood is also excellent plus with a few minor dents and handling marks. The markings are sharp. The action is excellent. Writer cannot recall ever seeing a Model 1885 quite like this example; quite possibly from the Winchester Collection as it is truly rare being one of only five manufactured!